Smoking Help for the Elderly

WASHINGTON—A seven-state pilot project will study the best way to help
older smokers kick their nicotine habit. The program, financed by the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), will test counseling in person and by
phone, a prescription smoking cessation drug, nicotine patches, and education
materials.

The 1-year Medicare Stop Smoking Program will be conducted in Alabama,
Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, which were selected
using a formula that included the prevalence of older smokers. Additional
information on the program is available at 1-866-652-3446.